Air Fryer Baking Biscuits: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens and can be used to make biscuits that are golden brown, buttery, and flaky. The air fryer method is quicker than the regular oven method and can produce biscuits with a crispier outside and softer inside. You can make biscuits in an air fryer using premade biscuit dough or by making them from scratch.

Air fryer temperature and timings for canned biscuits

Canned biscuits can be cooked in an air fryer in less time than a conventional oven. The air fryer method produces biscuits with a crispier outside and a soft, fluffy inside.

Temperature

The ideal temperature to cook canned biscuits in an air fryer is around 330°F/165°C. However, some sources suggest cooking at 350°F.

Timings

The cooking time for canned biscuits in an air fryer is typically between 7-10 minutes. The biscuits should be cooked for 6 minutes, then flipped and cooked for a further 3-4 minutes, or until the biscuits are a golden brown colour.

It is important to note that different air fryers may require slight adjustments in cooking time and temperature, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the biscuits and adjust as needed.

Air fryer temperature and timings for homemade biscuits

If you're making homemade biscuits from scratch, you'll want to cook them at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until they're golden brown. This will give your biscuits a crisp and buttery edge while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Tips:

• You can brush the biscuits with melted butter once they're done for some extra flavour.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these biscuits on a baking sheet in the oven at 425°F for 10–15 minutes.
• If you're making canned biscuits, you'll need to adjust the temperature to 330°F and cook for 7–8 minutes.
• Flip the canned biscuits halfway through cooking, or shake the basket to ensure they don't stick to the rack.
• For frozen biscuits, cook at 330°F for 8 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 6 minutes.

Air Fryer Biscuits Recipe:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Using a pastry cutter or fork, mix in cold, cubed butter until it's combined and about the size of small peas.
• Stir in buttermilk until a thick dough forms.
• Transfer the dough to a clean counter and knead 6–7 times until the flour is fully incorporated. Don't overwork the dough—you want to still see butter pieces throughout to make the biscuits flaky.
• Form the dough into a 1 1/2-inch circle and cut the biscuits using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter.
• Coat the basket of your air fryer with non-stick spray.
• Place the biscuits 2 inches apart in a single layer on the basket.
• Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.

Biscuit dough preparation

Preparing biscuit dough is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure your biscuits turn out perfectly. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare biscuit dough, which can be baked in an air fryer or a conventional oven:

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour or soft white wheat flour for the best results. You can also use self-rising flour, but you'll need to add extra baking powder.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These ingredients are essential for light and fluffy biscuits. We'll use a higher amount of baking powder to make our biscuits extra tender.
• Sugar and Salt: These add flavour to the biscuits. Just a small amount of sugar is needed, about 1 tablespoon.
• Butter: Go for cold, salted butter for the best flavour and texture. European-style butter, like Kerrygold or Plugra, is ideal.
• Milk or Buttermilk: Both options will work in this recipe. Buttermilk will give your biscuits a tangy flavour and make them even more tender.

Mixing the Dough:

Now, let's get started with mixing the dough:

• Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well blended.
• Cut in the butter: Use a pastry cutter or a fork to mix in the cold, cubed butter. Continue mixing until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be about the size of small peas.
• Add the liquid: Stir in the milk or buttermilk until a thick dough starts to form. You can also use a wooden spoon or spatula for this step.
• Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface and knead it 6 to 7 times. Be careful not to overwork the dough—you still want to see butter pieces throughout, as this will make your biscuits flaky.
• Shape and cut the dough: Form the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Then, use a biscuit cutter (about 2-inch in diameter) to cut out your biscuits. Gently press the remaining dough scraps together and cut out more biscuits.

At this point, your biscuit dough is ready to be baked! If you're using an air fryer, follow the instructions in the previous response for cooking times and temperatures. Alternatively, you can bake your biscuits in a preheated oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden brown.

Biscuit toppings and serving suggestions

There are endless ways to top and serve biscuits, whether they're homemade or from a can. Here are some ideas:

Savoury

Biscuits and gravy is a classic combination. You can make a bacon, sausage, or cream gravy to pour over halved biscuits. For an extra indulgent breakfast, top the biscuits with bacon, egg, and cheese, or make a breakfast sandwich. Alternatively, use your favourite fried chicken recipe to make chicken biscuits.

Sweet

For a sweet treat, top your biscuits with cinnamon sugar, honey, or jam. You can also add a dollop of homemade whipped cream and fresh fruit. For a dessert the kids will love, top biscuits with a sweet glaze and sprinkles.

Mix-ins

You can also add mix-ins to your biscuit dough for extra flavour and texture. Try adding herbs, shredded cheese, or small, pea-sized pieces of cold butter.

Air fryer basket preparation

Preparing the air fryer basket is a crucial step in ensuring your biscuits turn out perfectly. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your air fryer basket for baking biscuits:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not use parchment paper in the air fryer basket. This is because the air needs to circulate all around the biscuits, even from underneath, to ensure even cooking. However, if you want to use parchment paper to make cleanup easier, you can do so by poking several holes in it to allow airflow.

The first step in preparing your air fryer basket is to coat it with a light layer of cooking spray. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking to the basket. You can use any variety of cooking spray that you have on hand, such as canola spray, olive oil, or vegetable oil spray.

After spraying the basket, it is time to arrange the biscuits. Place the biscuits in a single layer on the bottom of the basket, ensuring they do not stack or touch the sides. Leave as much space between the biscuits as your air fryer allows for even cooking. If you are using a larger air fryer, you may need to cook the biscuits in batches.

Once the biscuits are arranged, you can proceed to cook them according to your recipe instructions. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on your biscuits to prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, depending on the style of your air fryer, you may need to flip the biscuits halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. This is especially important if you are using an oven-style air fryer with multiple trays, as the biscuits on the top rack may burn before the ones on the bottom are cooked through.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your air fryer basket is properly prepared for baking delicious, fluffy biscuits.

Frequently asked questions